We acknowledge that our work takes place on Treaty 1 Land,
homeland of the Cree, Ojibway, Dene, Dakota and Red River Métis peoples; and host to Inuit neighbours.
United Way Winnipeg donors have invested in Indigenous-led agency partners since 1965.
Working towards truth & reconciliation, inclusion, and success for all Winnipeggers will make our community stronger. We walk alongside the Indigenous communities in Winnipeg in a spirit of friendship.
United Way Winnipeg donors invest more than $2 million annually in many Indigenous-led agency partners—and many others that, while not governed and led by Indigenous people, do work in partnership with Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Vision for the North End
Council for Indigenous Relations
The volunteer Council walks with United Way Winnipeg so we can hear the voices of the first peoples in our community.
Sarah Cook, Chair
Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc.
Michael Redhead Champagne
Dina Ducharme
Marti Ford
Reid Hartry
Shania Pruden
Kimberley Puhach
Deb Radi
Michael Robertson
Stephanie Scott
Andrew Spence
Cathy Woods
Timeline of key developments
Here’s a look at United Way Winnipeg’s continuing journey working with, advocating for, and embracing the Indigenous people in our community.
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1965
United Way established & first investment in an Indigenous-led organization made.
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1999
‘Journey Forward’ community engagement highlights need to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.
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2001
Aboriginal Task Group created; proposes environmental scan of Winnipeg’s Indigenous citizens.
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2004
Eagle’s Eye View 1st Edition published. First Aboriginal Relations Director hired.
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2005
Board approves Aboriginal Relations Strategy & Aboriginal Relations Council (ARC).
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2009
United Way donors investments in Indigenous-led agencies crosses the $1M mark.
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2010
Eagle’s Eye View 2nd Edition published.
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2010
Aboriginal Philanthropy in Canada: A Foundation for Understanding published with The Circle on Philanthropy & Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.
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2011
Talking Stick gifted to United way by ARC at Feast.
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2014
Art of Reciprocity Workshop customized for Manitoba in partnership with Native Americans in Philanthropy.
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2015
United Way participates in ONE: The Mayor’s National Summit on Racial Inclusion & Our Summit Winnipeg. Aboriginal Relations Council renamed Council for Indigenous Relations (CIR). We’re the first United Way to sign on to the The Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action on the recommendations of the TRC. CIR partnered with Manitoba Inuit Association for the Legacy of Hope exhibition “We Were So Far Away: The Inuit Experience of Residential Schools.”
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2016
CIR convenes Elders Circle to inform Moving Forward, our 3-year strategic plan, resulting in an inclusion strategy for participating in reconciliation. United Way includes traditional Indigenous territory acknowledgement at events & delivers cultural proficiency workshops to staff.
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2017
CIR partnered with Manitoba Metis Federation and Louis Riel Institute for the Legacy of Hope exhibition “Forgotten: The Métis Residential School Experience.”
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2017
CIR develops 7 goals aimed to build knowledge, relationships & capacity with and for Indigenous Winnipeggers. CIR’s Strategic Plan connects more deeply with United Way Winnipeg’s aim of building a Better Winnipeg Together.
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2017
United Way Winnipeg becomes a signatory to the City of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord.
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2018
CIR partnered with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation for the Legacy of Hope exhibition Peter Henderson Bryce: A Man of Conscience.
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2019
United Way Winnipeg staff begin cross-departmental work as part of the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) process. Early work results in the creation and adoption of United Way Winnipeg’s Indigenous Relations Policy.
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2020
CIR expands to welcome volunteers from other United Way Winnipeg committees. The Council redefines their way of working together in new Terms of Reference. These terms embrace the diversity across First Nation, Inuit and Metis nations, celebrate reciprocity, and lift up Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Latest news
Hope and Optimism for Reconciliation
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report & its 94 Calls to Action released in 2015, provides a roadmap for increased economic opportunities for Indigenous people in Canada. More...
Peter Henderson Bryce: A Man of Conscience
United Way Winnipeg, through its Council for Indigenous Relations, was honoured to host the Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce: Man of Conscience exhibit. More...
7 ways to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day in Winnipeg
Interesting, educational and fun local ways to get out in the community and explore, celebrate, and learn about the rich diversity of First Nations, Metis and Inuit people. More...